Greek media makes surprising claims on Barkas deal

As Vasilis Barkas completed his medical ahead of his move from Celtic to FC Utrecht of the Netherlands, reports have emerged revealing more details of the deal that has taken him to the Eredivisie this week. The player signed on at Celtic for a substantial fee (£4.5m) as well as a significant pay packet back in the summer of 2020 as we chased a tenth League title in a row.

Greek publication Sport24.gr have revealed that his new temporary club will cover two-thirds of Barkas’ salary for the upcoming season, easing the pressure on Celtic to shift him right now and for no money – which is what would have happened if we ripped up his contract.

Now all this drama and pain has been avoided with the temporary move of the former Greece number one to the Dutch League. The outlet also insisted the reason Barkas couldn’t find a club last summer was the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, with the Greek-Aussie not wanting to write-off such an expensive goalkeeper and especially one wirh international experience.

However, as we all know that was not meant to be, as Barkas suffered a humiliation in front of the reduced capacity Parkhead crowd last summer when a Mitdjylland player scored from a cross; leaving the hapless Barkas and Celtic coach Postecoglou pondering where they went from there.

As a consequence, Ange tried Scott Bain in the Greeks’ place which didn’t achieve the intended result, as he looked ropey and made a costly error coming for a cross against Hearts on the opening night of the season at Tyncastle. It was after this that the manager drafted in former England number one and Spurs back-up, Joe Hart. Joe has since enjoyed a renaissance in the hooped shirt.

Photo: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Ironically that chain of events that led to Celtic signing Hart from Tottenham last August was started the previous summer when Fraser Forster seemingly changed his mind about leaving Southampton to sign for Celtic on a permanent contract in favour of fighting for his place at the Premier league side. Today after seeing out the final two years of his lucrative Saints deal, Forster joined Joe Hart’s old club Tottenham and the money will keep rolling in for the big man.

With Barkas shifting from third-choice ‘keeper at Celtic, one would have thought that the board would be looking to include the option to purchase the much maligned stopper full-time. This has not been the case as was reported on The Celtic Star earlier today, which can be read here.

Ange Postecoglou with Vasilis Barkas and Dane Murray of Celtic after the during the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg between Celtic and FC Midtjylland at Celtic Park on July 20, 2021.(Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Now it has even been claimed by Sport24.gr that the Bhoys may look to extend his contract by a year to ringfence any potential value that he might accrue on-loan with our old European foes. An interesting suggestion to say the least, and one which implies Celtic still believe firmly Barkas is miles better than what he has shown in a Celtic strip.

We will have to keep a keen eye on the Dutch side this year.